Jump Right In: Swimming Pool Safety

by
Erie Insurance
on
August 2, 2017

Having a swimming pool is
a dream come true for many, but it also comes with responsibilities. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, very young children ages 1-4 are at the greatest
risk of drowning. In most cases, the little ones were at home and had slipped
outside and into the pool without anyone noticing.

Even older children and
adults can be at risk, not only for drowning, but for slips and falls on wet
surfaces. Pool safety advocates say it’s important to build “layers of
protection” around your home swimming pool. If someone gets past one safety
system, a backup can help prevent a tragedy — and protect you as a homeowner. Here
are some additional tips to follow:

Install a fence
that’s at least 4 feet tall with a locking gate around the pool.

When the pool is
not in use, remove ladders and accessories, as well as any toys or flotation
devices that a small child might attempt to reach for. Placing a solid cover on
the surface can provide a barrier to accidental stumbles and falls for very
young children (while keeping your water free of debris).

When children are
in the pool, a responsible adult should watch them at all times. Never leave
them unattended around a pool – even for a minute.

Inexperienced
swimmers should wear a life vest.

Invest in pool
safety equipment, such as a life hook, life rings and safety rope. In addition,
post safety rules and be consistent with enforcing the rules with both your
family members and your guests.

Have everyone in
the house take first aid and CPR courses.

Consider a
motion-activated alarm that alerts you when someone opens the gate and enters
the water when you’re not outside.

If you have very
young children, install a back door alarm to alert you should they slip outside
unnoticed. You can also purchase special bracelets for kids that alert you
when it gets wet.

Limit alcohol use
around the pool area, as drinking can affect balance, coordination and
judgment. In fact, drinking was a factor in half the swimming pool drowning
deaths of teenagers and adults, according to the CDC.